Manchester, NH- A woman in New Hampshire has been acquitted of second-degree assault charges but has been found guilty of reckless conduct and endangering the welfare of a child. The jury reached their verdict on Friday.
Alexandra Eckersley found herself facing five charges. The jury reached a split decision, finding her not guilty of two counts of second-degree assault in relation to the newborn’s hypothermia and respiratory problems.
However, the jury reached a verdict of guilty on charges of reckless conduct, endangering the welfare of a child, and falsifying physical evidence.
Eckersley and her attorney were seen holding hands as the verdict was read. She was later reunited with her mother and family.
The deliberations started on Wednesday afternoon and lasted until Friday, when the verdict was announced around 2:30 p.m.
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A woman faced allegations of leaving her newborn baby in the woods after giving birth on Christmas night in 2022.
A child left in freezing temperatures suffers from hypothermia and respiratory issues, according to prosecutors. They also alleged that Eckersley intentionally provided false information to first responders regarding her son’s location.
During the trial, the defense consistently argued that no crime had taken place, highlighting Eckersley’s 911 call where she provided the location of her son.
Following the verdict, prosecutors provided a detailed explanation of the distinctions between the assault charges and the reckless conduct charge.
“Mainly the mental state,” said Alex Gatzoulis, of the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. “The mental state of recklessly is different than the purposeful or knowing mental state.”
No comment was provided by the defense following the verdict.
Eckersley’s son survived and the two have now been reunited. They reside in Massachusetts alongside Eckersley’s mother.
The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 60 days after this hearing.